My Tangata Rongonui is Steven Adams. To me a Tangata Rongonui is someone who is a good role model and is passionate about what they do, also known as a "famous person".
I think Steven Adams is a Tangata Rongonui because he showed great perseverance for basketball. Another thing that makes him a Tangata Rongonui is that he is very humble.
Steven Adams was born in Rotorua. When he was growing up he had a hard life because his father died and he stopped going to school. He was lucky because his Fairy God mother came and looked after him. Later on he was recognised for his basketball skills and was sent off to Scots College where they helped him to catch up on all his school work. He then got a scholarship and went to America, there he played for Pittsburgh college.
Today he is a professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is one of the best players in the world.
He inspires me to never give and try hard in what ever I do.
By Te Marie Smith
